Gwendolyn S. Bethea, Ph.D.
Director, Communications
and Expository Writing
Program
202-806-7277
gbethea@howard.edu
What is the Expository Writing
Examination (EWE)?
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Measures writing skills
Shows how well you can explain, describe,
or inform a reader
Is a Diagnostic and Teaching Tool
Was mandated by the Board of Trustees
Is one of the prerequisites for Candidacy for Master’s
and Doctoral Degree
Should be taken in the beginning of the graduate
program
What is EWE
(continued)?
E
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Consists of a 500-word essay on one of
several topics provided by the Program for
Academic Support Services Office (PASS)
◦ Current events, topics of general interest
◦ (example, the health crisis, politics, social issues,
etc.)
How is EWE Administered?
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Taken on Computer
Special arrangements can be made for
exempt students who prefer to write their
exams
Who Must Take the EWE?
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All students admitted to the Graduate
School, including
◦ Speakers of English as a Second Language
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Special provisions provided for students
with special needs (please call the PASS
office: 806-7277)
Is Registration Required for
the Exam?
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Registration is required online:
(www.gs.howard.edu/pass)
Only registered students can take the
examination
How is the Exam Graded?
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Graded by at least two External Reviewers with
Writing and Grammar Expertise
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If you score 5 or better, you will receive a Certificate
of Completion without review
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If you score between 4 and 5, you must meet with
the Program Director or Writing Lab Assistant and, if
necessary, take an online tutorial before receiving the
certificate
If you score below 4, you must take a One-Credit
Academic Communication Course to improve writing
skills; a certificate of completion is provided upon
completion of tutorial and/or course
Who is Exempt?
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Scorers of 5 or above on the GRE Writing
Examination are exempt
Documentation is required
A certificate of compliance with the Writing
Requirement will be issued by PASS office
Academic Communication
Course
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If you fail the examination, you are required to take the
Academic Communication Course
Focuses on mechanics of writing
◦ Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
◦ Content and development of writing (thesis
development, paragraph structure, and organization
◦ Taken in the Center for Academic Support, School of
Education (Academic Support Building); other locations
on campus as necessary; consult online course
scheduling during registration; also access link on
PASS website
When and Where is the Exam
Administered?
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Fall and Spring Semesters
Founders Library, Digital Classroom, Room
116, May 13-16, 2013, Session times: 10
a.m. to 1p.m.
Writing the Examination
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Compose Comprehensive Outline
Determine Main Idea/Thesis Statement
Compose Topic Sentences
( to introduce paragraphs) and
use Supportive Sentences
Use Transitional Phrases between paragraphs
Summarize as appropriate
Ensure proper punctuation for clarity
Ensure noun/verb agreement
Check grammar, spelling; end with strong
conclusion
Edit separately for content, grammar, spelling;
end with strong conclusion
Resources and Guides
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Graduate School Study Guide
www.gs.howard.edu/pass/study_guide.pdf
Purdue Online Writing Lab
owl.english.purdue.edu/owl
r
Common Errors in English Usage by Paul Brians
www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/erros.html
The English Chick
www.englishchick.com/grammar
Tips for Writing Essays
www1.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/
What Happens After the Examination?
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Students advised of results via email
Students arrange appointments to
review exams, if necessary
Students pick up certificates at
scheduled times
Graduate School sends scores to
departments
Students/departments/Graduate
School retain records of exam results
For more information
Visit the
Program for Academic Support Services
website:
www.gs.howard.edu/pass
gbethea@howard.edu
806-7277/6800